More than 180 jobs are being created as three food firms and a call centre expand their businesses.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said the companies were a model of what the Government is trying to achieve with an action plan for jobs.

"Here are three Irish businesses, operating in locations across the country, expanding into export markets and creating large numbers of new jobs, a model of what we are trying to achieve with our plan," he said.

Kildare-based O'Brien Fine Foods, which produces premium cooked hams, sausages, rashers and puddings for the retail trade markets in the UK and Ireland, will take on 51 new staff in Timahoe.